Nuclear Security Summit The Hague 2014 - Position of Switzerland (en)
Bern, 25.03.2014 - Den Haag, 25.03.2014 - Rede von Bundespräsident Didier Burkhalter anlässlich des dritten Gipfels über nukleare Sicherheit - Es gilt das gesprochene Wort
Thank you, Mr Chair, and thanks to the Netherlands and the City of The Hague for (the warm welcome and) the excellent preparation of this Summit.
We all agree: nuclear terrorism remains a serious threat for our planet. Any nuclear terrorist attack would have catastrophic humanitarian consequences. It would destroy lives, parts of our societies and economies.
We also all agree: much has been achieved since the Washington and Seoul Summits. And we commend President Obama for the “initial impulse”. We applaud that around a dozen countries have removed sensitive nuclear material from their soil. Major challenges remain, of course, which is why we must continue to act together with determination.
Dear Colleagues,
Our collective action should focus on four areas:
First: we must implement the existing normative framework.
We have to achieve universal adherence to the legal instruments of the global nuclear security regime.
I want to highlight the importance of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material. Just under 30 additional ratifications are required to bring into force the Amendment which is essential for reinforcing nuclear security.
Switzerland is ready to assist the International Atomic Energy Agency in promoting ratification of the Amendment. Our shared ambition: to achieve the entry into force of the Amendment by 2016.
In the same sense, we should also work hard together towards the universal application of the IAEA Code of Conduct (on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources), in order to prevent terrorist acts with “dirty bombs”.
Second common area: we must accelerate nuclear disarmament.
There is an obvious link between nuclear security and nuclear disarmament. We are not truly safe, as long as nuclear weapons exist. So we must move more resolutely towards our common goal of a world without nuclear weapons.
In this context we have to develop new instruments and seek voluntary commitments to cover existing gaps.
This means, on the one hand, that we should finally start negotiations on a treaty prohibiting the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons. Such negotiations have remained blocked in the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva for too long now.
On the other hand, all countries concerned should place all nuclear material that is not or no longer used for military purposes under the safeguards regime of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Third common area: let us strengthen the IAEA.
Due to its near-universal composition (and unique expertise), this Agency is the most adequate forum for the coordination of the various international initiatives in the area of nuclear security.
We welcomed the convening of an International Conference on Nuclear Security by the Agency last year. The format of combining both technical expertise and a political dimension proved to be a success; and may be a solution for the future of this process. We should also consider the option of further summits, though on the basis of a wider agenda including nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
Finally, fourth common action: we need to anticipate new challenges.
New… or relatively new challenges, like cyber-attacks. Shortly after the Summit in Seoul, my country has adopted a Strategy against Cyber Risks, including the protection of critical infrastructure. We are committed to developing transparency and confidence-building measures at the regional and international level.
Dear Colleagues,
Switzerland’s position in a nutshell:
- We have to work hard together.
- The international community must remain united and determined to prevent nuclear terrorism.
- It is a moral duty to act and ensure the security of our states, the security of human beings, now and for future generations.
Adresse für Rückfragen
Kommunikation EDA
Bundeshaus West
CH-3003 Bern
Tel. Medienstelle: +41 58 460 55 55
E-Mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Twitter: @EDA_DFAE
Herausgeber
Eidgenössisches Departement für auswärtige Angelegenheiten
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/de/home.html
